Twickenham School

Twickenham School stands as a cornerstone of the local community in Richmond upon Thames, serving as a co-educational secondary school for students aged 11 to 16. In an area known for high performing educational institutions, Twickenham School has carved out a reputation for steady improvement and a supportive learning environment. The 2025 GCSE dataset places the school 1,534th out of 3,895 schools in England for academic outcomes, reflecting a solid performance that aligns with its mission to provide a high quality education for all its students. As a mainstream state school without a sixth form, the focus is squarely on the secondary phase, ensuring that students are well prepared for their next steps into further education or apprenticeships.

The atmosphere at Twickenham School is one of purpose and inclusivity. Located on Percy Road, the school benefits from a setting that feels integrated into the residential fabric of Twickenham. While the physical site has undergone various transformations over the years, the current environment is designed to be functional and welcoming. Students are encouraged to take pride in their school and their achievements, a sentiment that is reinforced by the leadership team.

The current head teacher, Assal Razzaghi, was appointed in September 2017. Her tenure has been marked by a clear vision for the school, focusing on academic rigour and pastoral care. Under her leadership, the school joined the Bourne Education Trust in 2016, a move that has provided additional resources and a network of support. The values of the school are centred around aspiration, resilience, and respect, which are visible in the interactions between staff and students.

Twickenham School's academic performance tells a story of consistent effort and achievement. In the 2025 dataset, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 46.5. This score reflects the achievement of students across eight subjects, including English and mathematics.

Ranked 1,534th out of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school holds the 14th position among secondary schools in Richmond upon Thames. While Richmond is a highly competitive local authority, Twickenham School's performance indicates it is a reliable choice for local families. The Progress 8 score of +0.2 is notable, as it suggests that students make more progress between the end of primary school and the end of secondary school than similar students in England.

The curriculum at Twickenham School is designed to be broad and balanced, offering a range of subjects that cater to different interests and career paths. In the lower years, students study a wide variety of subjects to build a strong foundation. As they move towards their GCSEs, they are given the opportunity to specialise while maintaining a core of essential subjects.

Teachers are noted for their subject expertise and their ability to engage students. The school uses regular assessments to track student progress and provide targeted support where needed. This approach ensures that no student is left behind and that high flyers are sufficiently challenged. The latest inspection findings confirm that teaching is effective and that leaders have high expectations for student achievement.

Extracurricular life at Twickenham School is varied, providing students with numerous opportunities to develop new skills and interests. Sport is a significant part of the school's identity, with facilities that support a range of activities including football, netball, and athletics. The school also offers creative outlets through its drama and music departments, which host regular performances and concerts.

STEM: Innovation and Practical Application

STEM subjects are a clear area of focus, with modern science laboratories and computer suites providing the necessary infrastructure for practical learning. Students can participate in specific clubs such as the Coding Club and Science Club, which allow for deeper exploration beyond the standard curriculum. These initiatives are designed to foster a love for discovery and to prepare students for the technical demands of the modern workplace.

Twickenham School is a state funded academy and does not charge tuition fees. As part of the Bourne Education Trust, it receives its funding directly from the government. Families may need to account for costs related to school uniform, elective trips, and specialized equipment for certain subjects. Support for these costs is often available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, and the school encourages parents to contact the finance office for confidential discussions regarding financial assistance for school activities.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Twickenham School experience. The school operates a house system that helps to create a sense of belonging and community. Each student is assigned to a tutor group, providing a first point of contact for any concerns or issues. This structure ensures that every student is known as an individual and receives the support they need to thrive.

The school takes wellbeing seriously, with staff trained to recognise and respond to the emotional needs of students. The latest Ofsted report rated the school Good, specifically highlighting the positive behaviour and attitudes of students. Safeguarding procedures are rigorous, and the school works closely with families and external agencies to ensure the safety of all students.

Admissions to Twickenham School are coordinated by the Richmond upon Thames Local Authority. The school is consistently popular and was oversubscribed for the most recent intake. In the last measurement period, there were 483 applications for 199 places, resulting in 2.43. applications per place This high level of demand reflects the school's growing reputation in the local area.

Families interested in a place should consult the Richmond upon Thames secondary admissions brochure for detailed criteria. Priority is typically given to looked after children, those with siblings at the school, and those living closest to the site. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the furthest distance at which a place was offered, as proximity is a key factor in successful applications.

Where Students Go Next

As a school for 11 to 16 year olds, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. Twickenham School provides extensive guidance to help students choose the right post 16 path. Most students progress to local sixth form colleges such as Richmond upon Thames College or Esher College, while others choose to enter apprenticeships or vocational training.

The school's careers programme is robust, offering students opportunities for work experience and regular advice from careers professionals. This ensures that students are well informed about the options available to them and are prepared for the challenges of further study or employment.

The school day at Twickenham School typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is well served by public transport, with several bus routes passing nearby and Whitton and Twickenham railway stations within walking distance. For those walking or cycling, the school is accessible via Percy Road and the surrounding residential streets.

• Oversubscription: With 2.43 applications for every place, securing a spot at Twickenham School is competitive. Families living outside the immediate vicinity should have a clear alternative in mind.
• No Sixth Form: Students must transition to a new institution at age 16. While the school provides excellent support for this move, some families may prefer an all through 11 18 environment.
• High Local Competition: Richmond upon Thames contains several elite performing schools. While Twickenham School's results are solid, they sit in the middle tier for the local area.
• Academic Pace: The school has high expectations, and the curriculum moves at a brisk pace. Students who require significant additional support should engage with the SENCO early to ensure their needs can be met.

Twickenham School is a school that successfully balances academic ambition with a nurturing community feel. Under the leadership of Assal Razzaghi, it has established itself as a reliable and improving choice for families in Richmond. It suits students who thrive in a supportive yet purposeful environment and who are looking for a solid foundation for their future studies. For families seeking a school that values progress as much as attainment, Twickenham School is an excellent option.